Salesforce CEO donates millions to SF schools

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It's Christmas in September for San Francisco public school students. Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff announced the company is giving $5 million to improve technology and buy more iPads. This is Benioff's second major donation to the school district.

A $5 million donation by Marc Benioff and Salesforce will help purchase:

This is for all middle schools including the K-8 ones.

"There is no greater joy in life than giving," said Benioff.

Last year Benioff started off by donating $2.5 million to San Francisco middle schools as part of the pilot program after he was approached by Mayor Ed Lee and San Francisco schools. Schools were able to purchase $1,500 iPads.

"The residual benefits are students are going to come to school more, they are going to be engaged in school, they are not going to be truant, they are not going to display anti-social behavior. It's a win-win," said Superintendent Richard Carranza.

"We can do research, projects with the iPads and it's a little better than looking at the books," said student Oliver Cortez.

Salesforce employees will also have to do some hands-on work. Employees are offering 5,000 volunteer hours at the middles schools this year.

"I like mentoring. I like reading, getting involved in helping a teacher. I like painting for the schools, there is so much that can be done," said Salesforce employee Ebony Frelix.

On Friday they started with an easy task and packed up 2,000 backpacks for the kids to take home.